NECA and SON Reject Proposed NAFDAC Bill, Warn of Regulatory Duplication

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and industry operators oppose aspects of the 2026 bill on the registration of food, medical and related products. In a submission to the Senate Committee on Health, NECA urged lawmakers to exclude tobacco, saying it is already governed by the National Tobacco Control Act of 2015 and its 2019 regulations. The association warned that the bill could overlap the responsibilities of NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, SON and the Nigeria Customs Service, resulting in duplicate registrations and approvals and higher compliance costs. It called for safeguards against unilateral decisions and stronger coordination among existing regulators.